2020 Reflections and Looking Ahead to 2021 — Episode 081

It’s hard to believe 2020 is almost over. This year has been
challenging in so many ways, and on our final episode of the
year, we’re looking back at some of the conversations we’ve had,
discussing the lessons we’ve learned, and looking ahead at some
of our hopes and goals for 2021.


This year, park and recreation professionals have been on the
frontlines of a global pandemic, economic collapse, racial
justice movement, climate disasters and more, and we are so
grateful to play a small part in helping tell the stories of
their truly impactful work:


From serving meals to hosting COVID-19 testing sites and
staging sites for first responders.

From setting up temporary housing for those experiencing
homelessness to helping those struggling with mental health and
substance use issues.

From performing wellness checks on older adults to providing
innovative ways for our youth to connect with their friends.

From having difficult conversations about institutionalized
racism and historic inequities in our public spaces to committing
to anti-racist practices, and so much more.



Park and recreation professionals have truly done it all
this year, and our communities are so much better because of
their essential work.


So, to all of our park and recreation professionals out there:
THANK YOU! We’ve always known you were heroes, but this year just
solidified that.


We also want to thank everyone who has joined us on the show as a
guest, subscribed to the podcast, listened to an episode, sent us
your ideas, connected with us on Instagram or simply spread the
word about Open Space Radio to your friends and colleagues. We
truly love producing this podcast for you, and it’s through your
support that we are able to do so!


Tune in to the full episode below to hear us discuss:


Why we decided to add 12 new episodes to our schedule in
2020.

What events impacted the types of conversations we had this
year.

How hearing our guests’ experiences impacted each of our own
personal journeys.

The pros and cons of producing a podcast during COVID-19.

How we’ve learned to be adaptable and the importance of being
gentle with ourselves.

Where we currently sit with the resolutions we set at the end
of 2019 for 2020, our hopes and goals for 2021, and more!



And special thanks to those of you who sent us your ideas for
future episodes – we love your ideas and can’t wait to explore
them in 2021!